Calculator for determining specification of cranes

ABSTRACT

A calculator for determining specifications of various models or types of cranes comprises a first plate or disc having four separate graphs or charts radially arranged on each side. Each graph plots the operating radius, elevation, angle and capacity for a known type or model of a specific crane. Second and third plates or discs are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the first plate by mounting means such as a cylindrical pin or grommet and each of the second and third discs comprises a window or hole through which one selected graph is visible. Movable indicator means calibrated for various boom lengths are provided for use with the selected graph to provide information relative to a particular crane having a boom of particular length. The indicator means are pivotably and linearly movable with respect to the selected graph. The indicator means comprise a first elongated flat transparent member with appropriate indicators thereon and disposed between the first and second discs and having a slot therein for accommodating the aforesaid grommet which movably secures the indicator means relative to the first disc. The indicator means further comprises a second member, similar to the first member, which is disposed between the first and third discs. The ends of the two members of the indicator means project beyond the edges of the discs and are joined together.

[111 3,784,797 Jan. 8, 1974 4 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures models or types of cranes comprises a first plate or disc having four separate graphs or charts radially arranged on each side. Each graph plots the operating radius, elevation, angle and capacity for a known type or model of a specific crane. Second and third plates or discs are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the first plate by mounting means such as a cylindrical pin or grommet and each of the second and third discs comprises a window or hole through which one selected graph is visible. Movable indicator means calibrated for various boom lengths are provided for use with the selected graph to provide information relative to a particular crane having a boom of particular length. The indicator means are pivotably and linearly movable with respect to the selected graph. The indicator means comprise a first elongated flat transparent member with appropriate indicators thereon and disposed between the first and second discs and having a slot therein for accommodating the aforesaid grommet which movably secures the indicator means relative to the first disc. The indicator means further comprises a second member, similar to the first member, which is disposed between the first and third discs. The ends of the two members of the indicator means project beyond the edges of the discs and are joined together.

United States Patent n91 Kroll CALCULATOR FOR DETERMINING SPECIFICATION OF CRANES [75 Inventor: Joseph G. Kroll, Wauwatosa, Wis.

[73] Assignee: Harnischfeger Corporation,

Milwaukee, Wis.

Oct. 30, 1972 [22] Filed:

[21] Appl. No.: 302,247

06 01 1 3 7 C00 67 0 1 3 8 0 u 00 mm 5 M3 m Mb 6 "r a e S M d ca .mF 00 55 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS [57] ABSTRACT A calculator for determining specifications of various m w a m n M PAIENIEDJAM 8:914 3.784'797 sum 2 or 3 PATENTEBJAN BIHM 533845197 sum 3 or 23 FIG.6

BOOM LENGTH-FT.

BOOM LEN GTH FT.

CALCULATOR FOR DETERMINING SPECIFICATION OF CRANES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Use This inventionrelates generally to calculators of the type employing rotatable plates or discs. In particular, it relates to calculators of thistype for determining the specifications of cranes.

2. Description of the Prior Art Presently, it is the practice in the crane industry for manufacturers to provide a specification sheet for each crane model manufactured which lists relevant data regarding the capacity of specific cranes with booms of various lengths and at various boom elevations, angles, loadings, etc. Because of the wide variety of options available and operating conditions possible,'it has been necessary to provide a specification sheet containing charts which list or tabulate most or all of the possible SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a new and improved rotatable disc type calculator for determining the specification of various models or types of cranes when used with booms of various lengths under a variety of operating conditions.

A calculator for determining specifications of various models or types of cranes comprises a first plate or disc having four separate graphs or charts radially arranged on each side. Each graph plots the operating radius, elevation, angle and capacity for a known type or model of a specific crane. Second and third plates or discs are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the first plate by mounting means such as a cylindrical pin or grommet and each of the second and third discs comprises a window or hole through which one selected graph is visible. Movable indicator means calibrated for 'various boom lengths are provided for use with the selected graph to provide information relative to a particular crane having a boom of particular length. The indicator means are pivotably and linearly movable with respect to the selected graph. The indicator means comprise a first elongated flat transparent member with appropriate indicators thereon and disposed between the first and second discs and having a slot therein for accommodating the aforesaid grommet which movably secures the indicator means relative to the first disc. The

' indicator means further comprises a second member,

similar, to the first member, which is disposed between the first and third discs. The ends of the two 'members of the indicator means project beyond the edges of the discs and are joined together.

In further accordance with the'invention the first disc has a particular crane model or identification number on the periphery thereof adjacent the graph for that crane and each second and third disc has a pointer on its periphery. Registration of the pointer with the identification number automatically aligns thewindow in the first or second disc with the appropriate graph for that crane. The indicator means, which contains a boom point designator and boom length scale or indicator aligned therewith, is then employed to ascertain desired data. For example, the indicator may be moved (rotated or slid or both) to locate the boom point designator to a particular point on the graph; in which case some point on the boom length scale registers with a base point on the first disc to show the boom length required for the chosen point on the graph. Or, the indicator may be moved linearly to cause the base point on the first disc to register with a chosen point on the boom length scale and then the indicator may be moved pivotally to locate the boom point on the indicator at some point on the graph to provide required data. Other uses of the indicator and graph are, of course, possible.

A calculator, in accordance with the invention, enables a wide variety of choices and options to be quickly analyzed and considered in the field and eliminates the need to refer directly to the specification sheets (usually compiled in bulky volumes).

Other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter appear.

DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of one side ofa calculator in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-section view, with portions broken away, of the calculator shown in FIG. 1 and taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the other or opposite side of the calculator shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the side of the calculator shown in FIG. 1 with the outermost disc removed to show details of the inner disc and the movable indicator; 1

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the indicator;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the outermost disc shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail view of a grap shown as visible in FIG. 4 with theindicator shown in a specific position with respect thereto to illustrate calculator usage.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show a fully assembled'calculator 10 in accordance with the invention for determining specifications of various models or types of cranes. Calculator 10 comprises a first circular plate or disc 12 having four separate graphs or charts radially arranged on each side. As hereinafter more fully explained, each graph plots the operating radius, elevation, angle and capacity for a known type or model of a specific crane of a given manufacturer. Second and third circular plates or discs 14 and 16, respectively, are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of first disc 12 by mounting means such as a cylindrical pin 20 and each of the second and third discs 14 and 16, respectively, comprises a window or hole 22 through which one selected graph is visible. A movable indicator means 18 calibrated for various boom lengths is provided for use with the selected graph to provide information relative to a particular crane having a boom of a particular length.

The indicator means 18 is pivotably (rotatably) and linearly movable with respect to the selected graph. As FIG. 5 best shows, the indicator means 18 comprise a first elongated flat transparent member 30 with appropriate indicators thereon and disposed between the first disc 12 and second disc 14 and having a slot 31 therein for accommodating the aforesaid pin which movably secures the indicator means 18 relative to the first disc 12. The indicator means 18 further comprises a second member 32, similar to the first member 30, which is disposed between the first disc 12 and third disc 16. The outer ends of the two members and 32 of the indicator means 18 project beyond the edges of the discs and are joined together by grommets 34. A. clearanceplate is located between the outer ends of members 30 and 32. V

Calculator 10 is designed to provide information with respect to eight known models or types of cranes of a given manufacturer, which crane types are designated, for example, as follows:

6250 I4 TC Information .zones or graphs containing data relative to the first four of the above-listed crane types are provided on that surface of disc 12 which is shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 7. Graphs containing data relative to the last four of the above-listed crane types are provided on that opposite surface of disc 12 shown in FIG. 3. Each of the eight graphs has its corresponding crane type number displayed adjacent thereto at a location near the periphery of disc 12. As FIG. 7 best shows, the graph for crane type 35 TON 430 A-TC displays the.

following dataz 7 7 Boom point elevation in feet Operating radius in feet Boom angle in degrees Capacity in pounds 4 It is to be noted that the graph in FIG. 7 contains five shaded zones designated Z within which a-boom point P on indicator 18 must fall during use of calculator 10 in order for a reading to be valid, as hereinafter explained. In practice, the zones Z are preferably printed in a color contrasting to'that of disc 12 so as to be readily visible. It is to be understood that each of the other seven graphs are generally similar to the graph shown in FIG. 7 and described above, except that the zones Z are different in number, size and configuration, depending on crane type.

As FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7 show, second disc 14 is of smaller diameter than first disc 12 so that the crane type numbers near the edge of disc 12 are always visible. Disc 14 is provided with an arcuate cutout, opening or window 22 through which the desired graph on disc 12 is visible when a pointer 24 on disc 14 is in registry with a pointer 26 associated with each of the crane type numbers on one side of disc 12. Disc 14, like disc boom length scale S registers with a base line L provided on the first disc 12. This point on scale S shows the boom length required for the chosen point on the graph. Conversely, the indicator 'means 18 may be moved linearly to cause the base line L on the first disc 12 to register with a chosen point on the boom length scale S and then the indicator means 18 may be moved pivotally or rotatably to locate the boom point designation P on the indicator means 18 at some point on the chosen graph to provide required data. Other uses of the indicator and graph are, of course, possible.

A calculator in accordance with the invention, enables a wide variety of choices and options to be quickly analyzed and considered in the field and eliminates the need to refer directly to the specification sheets (usually compiled in bulky volumes). For convenience, instructions and additional crane data useful to crane model selection may be provided on the face of second disc 14, as shown schematically in FIG. 1 and third disc 16 may be similarly imprinted.

I claim:

1. In a calculator:

a first plate having a plurality of independently usable information zones on at least one side thereof, each of said information 'zones being a graph,

a second plate rotatably mounted on said first plate overlying said one side and having at least one viewing opening therein,

said second plate being selectively rotatable to a position wherein one of said zones on said first plate is visible through said opening,

said first and second plates being provided with cooperative indicia means which, when in registry, determine which zone appears in said viewing opens,

mounting means in the form of a pin for rotatably mounting said second plate on said first plate,

and indicator means mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said zone by said mount- 'ing means, said indicator means comprising a flat member having a scale and disposed between said first and second plates and having a slot therein for accommodating said pin, said member comprising a first point thereon for registration with any point on said graph, each of said zones comprising a second point for registration with any point on said scale.

2. A calculator according to claim 1 wherein each of said graphs relates to a particular type of crane, wherein each of said graphs is a plotof data relative to boom point elevation, boom point operating radius, boom angle and boom weight carrying capacity, and wherein said scale-on said indicator members relates to the length of a boom for said crane.

3. In a calculator: I

a first plate having a plurality of independently usable information zones on opposite sidesthereof,

each of said information zones being a graph,

a second plate rotatably mounted on said first plate overlying one side thereof and having at least one viewing opening therein,

a third plate rotatably mounted. on said first plate overlying the other side thereof and having at least the side of the first plate associated therewith is visible through its opening,

each of said second and third plates being provided with indicia means thereon cooperative with indicia means on said first plate to determine which zone appears in a viewing opening,

mounting means in the form of a pin for rotatably mounting said second and third plates on said first plate,

and indicator means mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said first plate by said mounting means, said indicator means comprising a first flat member comprising a scale and disposed between said first and second plates and further comprises a second flat member comprising a scale and disposed between said first and third plates, each member having a slot therein for accommodating said pin, and each member comprising a first point thereon for registration with any point on said graph, each of said zones comprising a second point for registration with any point on said scales.

4. A calculator according to claim 3 wherein each of said graphs relates to a particular type of crane, wherein each of said graphs is a plot of data relative to boom point elevation, boom point operating radius, boom angle and boom weight carrying capacity, and wherein said scale on each of said indicator members relates to the length of a boom for said crane. 

1. In a calculator: a first plate having a plurality of independently usable information zones on at least one side thereof, each of said information zones being a graph, a second plate rotatably mounted on said first plate overlying said one side and having at least one viewing opening therein, said second plate being selectively rotatable to a position wherein one of said zones on said first plate is visible through said opening, said first and second plates being provided with cooperative indicia means which, when in registry, determine which zone appears in said viewing opening, mounting means in the form of a pin for rotatably mounting said second plate on said first plate, and indicator means mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said zone by said mounting means, said indicator means comprising a flat member having a scale and disposed between said first and second plates and having a slot therein for accommodating said pin, said member comprising a first point thereon for registration with any point on said graph, each of said zones comprising a second point for registration with any point on said scale.
 2. A calculator according to claim 1 wherein each of said graphs relates to a particular type of crane, wherein each of said graphs is a plot of data relative to boom point elevation, boom point operating radius, boom angle and boom weight carrying capacity, and wherein said scale on said indicator members relates to the length of a boom for said crane.
 3. In a calculator: a first plate having a plurality of independently usable information zones on opposite sides thereof, each of said information zones being a graph, a second plate rotatably mounted on said first plate overlying one side thereof and having at least one viewing opening therein, a third plate rotatably mounted on said first plate overlying the other side thereof and having at least one viewing opening therein, each of said second and third plates being selectively rotatable to a position wherein one of said zones on the side of the first plate associated therewith is visible through its opening, each of said second and third plates being provided with indicia means thereon cooperative with indicia means on said first plate to determine which zone appears in a viewing opening, mounting means in the form of a pin for rotatably mounting said second and third plates on said first plate, and indicator means mounted for pivotal and sliding movement with respect to said first plate by said mounting means, said indicator means comprising a first flat member comprising a scale and disposed between said first and second plates and further comprises a second flat member comprising a scale and disposed between said first and third plates, each member having a slot therein for accommodating said pin, and each member comprising a first point thereon for registration with any point on said graph, each of said zones comprising a second point for registration with any point on said scales.
 4. A calculator according to claim 3 wherein each of said graphs relates to a particular type of crane, wHerein each of said graphs is a plot of data relative to boom point elevation, boom point operating radius, boom angle and boom weight carrying capacity, and wherein said scale on each of said indicator members relates to the length of a boom for said crane. 